Face and Ear Mask Device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a face and ear mask device that is comprised of a body, a front surface comprised of a fabric which extends over the nose, mouth, and ears of a user, and an eyeglass-like frame. The body of the device is preferably one that resembles a conventional face mask, with the additional feature of an extension of coverage over the ears. The device is also comprised of an eyeglass frame that can be worn on the head of the user and that may be removably or fixedly-attaches to the rear surface of the body for more convenient and secure coverage. Furthermore, the device includes a filter pocket on the rear surface that allows at least one filter to be stored within the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/244,415, which was filed on Sep. 15, 2021and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of face masks. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a face and ear maskdevice that is comprised of a body, a front surface comprised of afabric to extend over the nose, mouth and ears, and an eyeglass-likeframe. The body of the device is preferably one that resembles atraditional facial mask, with the additional feature of an extension ofcoverage over the ears. Accordingly, the present disclosure makesspecific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated thataspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to otherlike applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic placed increased pressure on theimportance of mitigating the spread of communicable disease. Whilestaying home during illnesses or covering a cough have long been commonconventions, many individuals now consider the usage of facial masks asan equally essential component in mitigating airborne disease spread andexposure. Specifically, viral and bacterial transmission leading to theonset of disease is known to take place primarily through facialopenings, such as the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. However, as it stands,most facial coverings only succeed in covering the nose and mouth,leaving the ears fully exposed to the transmission of potentially fataldisease. While ear canal disease transmission can occur within anypopulation, the groups most susceptible to the possibility of seriousillness or death from ear canal transmission include those with hearingloss impairments, such as the elderly, those who are immunocompromisedand those with a history of ear infections, which often includechildren. The importance of eliminating the possibility of pathogenexposure and entry via any means is paramount for the health, safety,and psychological peace of many individuals.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved faceand ear mask device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for aface and ear mask device that covers all facial openings, including theears as opposed to just the mouth and nose. Further, there exists a longfelt need in the art for a face and ear mask device that protects thosewho are immunocompromised, have a history of chronic ear infections, andthose with hearing loss impairments from the possibility oftransmissible bacteria or viruses. In addition, there exists a long feltneed in the art for a face and ear mask device that is comfortable towear and offers a secure fastening feature on an eyeglass-like frame,extending around the nose, ears, and chin, and is made of a lightweight,breathable but yet protective material.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a face and ear mask device. The device is primarilycomprised of a body, an eyeglass frame, and a front surface comprised ofa fabric which acts as protection against airborne pathogens, coveringthe users face and ears. The body of the device preferably resembles aconventional facemask, with the added feature of full coverage over theears of the user, wrapping around the back end of the ears, similar tothe fit of an eyeglass frame. The device is also comprised of anexchangeable filter and filter pocket, which provides the option forconsistently replaceable breathable air filters, ensuring cleanventilation. Furthermore, the front surface fabric of the device may befixedly or removably-attached to the eyeglass frame, allowing forcertain coverage over the bridge of the nose, thus protecting againstthe possibility of airborne pathogen entering through the space betweenthe eyes and nose.

In this manner, the face and ear mask device of the present inventionaccomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides an improvedmeans to protect against the transmission and reception of disease bycompletely covering the ears, as well as the nose and mouth of the user.Further, the device may be fastened to an eyeglass frame, ensuringcoverage over the bridge of the nose, eliminating the possibility of themask slipping down the bridge of the nose and exposing the user toairborne pathogens. In addition, the facial and ear mask fabric may befixedly or removably-attached to any eyeglass frame, making ituniversally applicable to users already wearing eyeglasses, or users notalready wearing eyeglasses. The device may also be used alone, absent aneyeglass-like frame.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a face and ear mask. The device is primarilycomprised of a body and an eyeglass frame, wherein the body comprises afabric that is the acting face and ear mask protection structure on thedevice. In the preferred embodiment, the body resembles aconventionally-shaped face mask, with the addition of coverage over theentirety of the ears either by fixed or removable attachment to aneyeglass frame. The eyeglass frame may be made of a plurality ofmaterials that may be commonly used for making eyeglasses, andpreferably includes at least one hinge for possible folding and safestorage of the frame. The fabric of the device is preferably made of anymaterial commonly used for making masks, such as thin cotton,polypropylene and polyester, etc., for a disposable embodiment, and/or athicker cotton or cloth material for non-disposable use. In addition,the surface of the body may be comprised of a plurality of indicia, suchas patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words,characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may notbe sanitation or health-related.

Further, the body can be fixedly or removably-attached to the eyeglassframe. The attachment may be fastened by a hook and loop fastener,magnetic attachment, or within a sleeve on the rear surface of the bodythat the frame sits within. To ensure a comfortable fit for the useraround the backs of the ears where skin may be particularly sensitive,soft lining or padding may be included, as well as an elastic band toensure proper secure fastening around the round portions of the head.

Accordingly, the face and ear mask device of the present invention isparticularly advantageous as it successfully covers all facial openingsof a user, avoiding the possibility of transmission and reception ofairborne communicable diseases, especially through the ears. Further,the device may be universally-attached to existing glasses or to aneyeglass-like frame for additional support and stability. Therefore, thedevice allows for the reliable and convenient protection from airborneillnesses. In this manner, the face and ear mask device overcomes thelimitations of existing face masks known in the art, and provides safeprotection from airborne pathogens via the face and ear mask device.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodimentof the face and ear mask device of the present invention being worn by auser in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodimentof the face and ear mask device of the present invention being worn by auser and bearing an indicia in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodimentof the face and ear mask device of the present invention being worn by auser in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improvedface and ear mask device. There also exists a long-felt need in the artfor a face and ear mask device that prevents a user's ears from beingsusceptible to the reception and transmission of potentially fatalpathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and any other such unwantedorganisms. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a faceand ear mask device that is wearable and breathable, but is alsocomprised of protective material that stops the transmission ofpotentially deadly pathogens from entering the ear canal. In addition,there exists a long felt need in the art for a face and ear mask devicethat is comfortably fitting to the face and offers the option of aneyeglass-like fit which extends over the bridge of the nose and behindthe ears, to provide user protection from pathogens at all possibleentries.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of aface and ear mask device that protects the ears, as well as the nose andmouth of the user from the transmission of potentially dangerouspathogens. The device is primarily comprised of a body, an eyeglassframe, and a front surface that is comprised of a fabric, which connectsthe eyeglass frame to the chin and extends over the nose, mouth and earsof the user. In differing embodiments, the body may have the appearanceof a plurality of different types of fabrics such as, but not limitedto, a vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton, damask,jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester, satin, silk, spandex,suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polypropylene,polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate,aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate, etc. The fabric may also becomprised of an anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating to ensure theprotection from airborne pathogen entry. Additionally, the fabric mayalso feature a plurality of indicia, such as, patterns, logos, emblems,images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals,advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be pathogens orpathogen-related.

Further, in one embodiment, the body may have a fixedly orremovably-attached fabric material which is connected to aneyeglass-like frame, allowing for maximum convenience and comfort. Thebody of the face and ear mask device may be fastened to the eyeglassframe, in such ways including, but not limited to, hook and loop,snap-button, magnetic adhesive, button and loop, zipper assembly, etc.The eyeglass frame may be manufactured from and have the appearance of aplurality of different types of materials such as, but not limited to, adurable metal, wood, or plastic such as, but not limited to, an acrylic,polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, highdensity polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride,polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycledplastic, biodegradable plastic, etc. In other embodiments, the mask mayappear by itself, absent the fastening to an eyeglass-like frame.

Accordingly, the face and ear mask device of the present invention isparticularly advantageous, as it grants full protection from thetransmission and reception of potentially fatal diseases by protectingthe ears, nose and mouth of the user. Further, the device canuniversally attach to any eyeglass frame, to ensure certain completecoverage over the bridge of the nose. Additionally, the device mayitself include a fixedly-attached facial mask fabric secured to aneyeglass frame, or may appear alone, absent an eyeglass framingattachment. Therefore, the device eliminates the possibility of earcanal pathogen transmission, as well as reliably includes coverage overthe bridge of the nose by offering the fastening of the fabric toeyeglass frames, a common accessory in many potential users already.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a frontperspective view of one embodiment of the face and ear mask device 100of the present invention. The device 100 is primarily comprised of abody 110, an eyeglass frame 140, and a front surface 120 (shown in FIG.2 ). The body 110 may be manufactured from a plurality of materials suchas, but not limited to, vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon,damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, satin, silk, spandex, suede,tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polyurethane,polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon,acetate, triacetate, etc., or any other suitable material as is known inthe art, but is preferably made of a triune blend of cotton,polypropylene, and a polyester blend, which may be particularlyadvantageous for simple disposable use. In addition, the body 110 and/orthe front surface 120 may be a plurality of colors known in the art suchas, but not limited to, blue, black, white, gray, red, green, yellow,orange, etc. Furthermore, the front surface 120 of the body 110 may becomprised of any number of suitable indicia 122 (shown in FIG. 2 ) inthe form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters,words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may ormay not be sanitation or health-related.

The eyeglass frame 140, in differing embodiments, may be manufacturedfrom and have the appearance of a durable metal, wood, or plastic suchas, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene,thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low densitypolyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene,polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylacticacid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradableplastic, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the device 100, the body 110 is shaped tofit on the head 10 of the user 5 and over the face 12, coveringcompletely the mouth 16, nose 18, chin 20 and ears 14. The device 100sits comfortably below the eyes 22 by attaching to an eyeglass frame140. The front surface 120, in a removably-attached embodiment, featuresa plurality of options for removable-attachment to the eyeglass frame140 including, but not limited to, an eyeglass pocket 136 that mayreceive the pair of circular frame members 144 of the eyeglass frame 140(or the frame 140 of an existing pair of functional prescriptioneyeglasses as is known in the art), at least one magnet 150 whichattaches to the top of the front surface of the circular frame members144, or at least one fastener 160 which utilizes a fastening mechanism,such as but not limited to: hook and loop, snap-button, magnetic,adhesive, button and loop, zipper assembly, etc., which attaches to therear surface 130 (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the eyeglasses. Furthermore, thesame fastener 160 may be utilized to secure a filter pocket 132 thathouses at least one filter 134 to ensure clean ventilation for the user5 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The filter 134 may be made of any disposable andbreathable material such as, but not limited to, a polypropylene, coffeefilters, HEPA filters, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of theface and ear mask device 100 of the present invention non-removablyattached to an eyeglass frame 140. When the body 110 is attached to theeyeglass frame 140, it should be noted that the body 110 does notobstruct the sight of the user 5 and the main frame member 142 of theframe 140 sits on the nose 18 of the user 5. Furthermore, because thebody 110 is attached to either or both of the circular frame members144, the transparent or shaded pair of lenses 1440 of the device 100 mayhave an anti-fog coating or feature that further protects the eyes 22 ofthe user 5. Additionally, the front surface 120 of the body 110 may becomprised of any number of suitable indicia 122 (shown in FIG. 2 ) inthe form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters,words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may ormay not be sanitation or health-related.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the body 110 comprises a filterpocket 132 that houses at least one filter 134 to ensure cleanventilation for the user 5. The filter 134 may be made of any disposableand breathable material such as, but not limited to, a polypropylene,coffee filters, HEPA filters, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the faceand ear mask device 100 of the present invention attached to an eyeglassframe 140 and covering the ears 14 (shown as prior art). In thisposition, it can be observed how the body 110 of the device 100 wrapsaround the ears 14 of the user 5. The portion of the body 110 near thetwo frame arms 148 may or may not be attached to the frame arms 148 ofthe eyeglass frame 140, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.As such, in one embodiment wherein the body 110 is fixedly-attached tothe circular frame members 144 and not the frame arms 148, at least onehinge 146 of each frame arm 148 allows the frame arms 148 to fold forcomfortable transport. Further, the rear surface 130 of the device 100may be made of a soft or padded elastic lining, to ensure a comfortableand non-abrasive, but securely-fastened attachment to the user's 5 headthroughout the duration of their use.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “face and ear mask device” and“device” are interchangeable and refer to the face and ear mask device100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the face and ear mask device 100 of thepresent invention and the various components can be of any suitable sizeand configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overallconcept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-statedobjectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thesize, configuration and material of the face and ear mask device 100 asshown in FIGS. 1-3 is for illustrative purposes only, and that manyother sizes and shapes of the face and ear mask device 100 are wellwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions ofthe face and ear mask device 100 are important design parameters foruser convenience, the face and ear mask device 100 may be of any size,shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during useand/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A face and ear mask device comprising: a bodycomprised of a front surface and a rear surface; a filter pocket locatedon the rear surface; at least one filter received by the filter pocket;and an eyeglass frame that connects to the body, wherein the eyeglassframe can be worn on a head of a user.
 2. The face and ear mask deviceof claim 1, wherein the face and ear mask device covers a mouth, a nose,a chin and a pair of ears of the user when worn by the user.
 3. The faceand ear mask device of claim 1, wherein the front surface comprises aplurality of indicia, and further wherein said plurality of indicia iscomprised of at least one of a pattern, a logo, an emblem, an image, asymbol, a design, a letter, a word, a character, an animal, anadvertisement and a brand.
 4. The face and ear mask device of claim 1,wherein the eyeglass frame comprises a pair of circular frame membersthat are received by an eyeglass pocket positioned on the rear surfaceof the body.
 5. A face and ear mask device comprising: a body comprisedof a front surface and a rear surface; a plurality of indicia located onthe front surface; a filter pocket located on the rear surface; and atleast one filter received by the filter pocket.
 6. The face and ear maskdevice of claim 5, wherein the face and ear mask device covers a mouth,a nose, a chin, and a pair of ears of a user when worn by the user. 7.The face and ear mask device of claim 5, wherein the plurality ofindicia comprises at least one of a pattern, a logo, an emblem, animage, a symbol, a design, a letter, a word, a character, an animal, anadvertisement and a brand.
 8. The face and ear mask device of claim 5,wherein the at least one filter is a polypropylene filter, a coffeefilter or a HEPA filter.
 9. A face and ear mask device comprising: abody comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a filter pocketlocated on the rear surface; at least one filter received by the filterpocket; and an eyeglass frame that connects to the body, wherein theeyeglass frame comprises a pair of frame arms, at least one hinge, amain frame member, and a pair of lenses.
 10. The face and ear maskdevice of claim 9, wherein the body is comprised of a fabric material.11. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the eyeglass frameis comprised of a metal, a wood or a plastic material.
 12. The face andear mask device of claim 9, wherein the face and ear mask device coversa mouth, a nose, a chin, and a pair of ears of a user when worn by theuser.
 13. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the eyeglassframe comprises a pair of circular frame members that are received by aneyeglass pocket positioned on the rear surface of the body.
 14. The faceand ear mask device of claim 13, wherein a pair of circular framemembers of the eyeglass frame attach to the rear surface of the body viaat least one magnet.
 15. The face and ear mask device of claim 9,wherein a pair of circular frame members of the eyeglass frame attach tothe rear surface of the body via at least one fastener.
 16. The face andear mask device of claim 9, wherein the filter pocket is secured to therear surface by at least one fastener.
 17. The face and ear mask deviceof claim 9, wherein the pair of lenses are comprised of an anti-fogcoating.
 18. The face and ear mask device of claim 13, wherein theeyeglass pocket receives a pair of prescription eyeglasses.
 19. The faceand ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the pair of frame arms can foldvia the at least one hinge.
 20. The face and ear mask device of claim 9,wherein the eyeglass frame is removably attached to the rear surface ofthe body.